A properly functioning lymphatic system is vital.

If congestion (known as lymphedema) occurs as a result of surgery or injury, manual lymphatic drainage can provide relief. I successfully use this form of treatment in my practice for a variety of conditions.

Our bodies produce more than five liters of lymph per day. This watery bodily fluid flows through its own vascular system, the lymphatic system. However, before the lymph joins the blood in the veins, it passes through numerous lymph nodes. Humans have about 600 of them—located, among other places, in the neck, armpits, elbow joints, groin, and behind the knees. Its function is to remove bacteria, viruses, proteins, and toxins. If a doctor diagnoses an increased accumulation of tissue fluid—for example, in the arms or legs—this is referred to as edema. Edema occurs when lymphatic drainage is functionally or pathologically impaired, such as when lymph nodes have had to be removed due to cancer. This is when manual lymphatic drainage is used. In this procedure, decongestion is stimulated more effectively through special lymphatic massage techniques.

Lymphatic drainage is used to treat a variety of conditions. For example, it is used for cancer patients or people who have had a knee or hip replacement. In orthopedic treatment, the goal is to reduce swelling, improve wound healing, and enhance joint mobility. Lymphatic drainage is also recommended for sports injuries and rheumatic diseases.

Before lymphatic drainage can be performed, a preliminary internal medical evaluation is required to rule out any contraindications for this treatment.